​Ya gotta start some where …

This is a transitional period where many are experiencing endings, shedding (or maybe shredding), and releasing. But it is also a period of openings, beginnings, and going through new doors.

After so long of our patterns and routines, of holding it together, and of letting go, the transition to doing something different can be a really odd ask on our body. Even if we really want something new. Even if we’ve been searching for and seeking something new. The action of ‘doing something new’ can bring up fear and resistance.

I remember a season of extreme loneliness in my life. I was going through some internal shifts and had seen friend after friend pull away or disconnect. Looking back, I now know I was going through one of these transitional periods but in the moment, I wondered what was going on, what was wrong with me, and would I ever have deep friendships again. Finding my people, whatever that meant, had become my mantra.

Walking out at the end of an evening class, I was invited to join some folks for pizza and beer but I had something significant due the next morning so I regretfully declined. Besides, the introvert side of me was looking for quiet coffee conversations rather that busy bar scenes. But as I was walking across the parking lot, a thought intersected my busy mind: ‘you’ve been looking for this’. I hustled back and joined the group. Today, I can see the friendships that were began that evening.

The reality is, that if we keep doing the same stuff, we’re likely gonna end up with the same results.

So, how do we begin to move in a new direction?

We quite literally have to do something.

Anything.

But what if we do the wrong thing?

Well, we stop doing that thing and do something else.

Energetically, it is easier to change the direction an object is moving in than it is to move an object from rest. This has to do with inertia and overcoming static friction … and the same is true of us! So, if we make a change and don’t like it, we’ll find it easier to change directions to something we do like than starting from square one.

So, how small can this small thing be? Well, back to the friendship example. I could:

• Write on piece of paper: I am open to new friendships. Stick the paper on my fridge or mirror
• Begin saying hi to people I pass on my walk and compliment them on their dogs
• For a regular event, show up 5-10 minutes early and talk to whoever is there; or, stay 5-10 minutes afterwards

If I want something bigger, I could:

• Sign up for a 4-session class that sounds sorta interesting
• Go to a community event
• Volunteer with a non-profit once a quarter

Have some fun exploring what might be your ‘something/anything’.
​
And, if you’re in that place of healing or releasing right now, know that it is also ok to simply ‘be’. If this is you, perhaps your ‘something/anything’ might be to rest or to listen to what your body needs.